Arsenal boss Wenger hit out at ref Phil Dowd for failing to dismiss Barton for a challenge on Abou Diaby, who was red-carded for lashing out at the Toon midfielder.

But Barton has protested his innocence, and insisted the ill-disciplined Gunners got what they deserved. Arsenal were 4-0 up and cruising, only to leak four goals in 20 minutes following Diaby’s sending-off.

“I just don’t understand the guy’s reaction,” said Barton. “He is probably going to cop a couple of week’s wages off Wenger for that because it probably cost them a comfortable win.

“It gave everyone a lift. At half-time we were thinking double figures because Arsenal had been that good.

In the end, we were unlucky not to win, which is incredible.”

Barton kept his cool in converting two second half penalties and amazingly stayed calm as Diaby angrily grabbed his neck.

“I actually don’t know what he did,” added Barton, who was adamant his tackle was fair.

“He has taken a bad touch and I have to go and win it. If I don’t go for the ball, my manager, team-mates and fans are going to nail me. I’ve had a look at it again. I have gone in one-footed and taken the ball.”

He added: “I am still in shock because Arsenal don’t go 4-0 up and throw it away. It took real men to go out there in the second half and produce a result.”